Licensing of approved premises

To be approved as a venue for civil marriage or civil partnership ceremonies, premises must meet the following conditions:

Suitability of the Venue

The venue must be:

• Appropriate in its primary use, location, construction, and condition.
• Considered by the council to be a respectful and dignified setting for ceremonies.

Public Access and Use

The venue must be regularly available for public use for:

• Civil marriage ceremonies
• Civil partnership formations

Safety and Accessibility

The venue must:

• Meet reasonable fire safety standards, as agreed with the local fire and rescue service.
• Provide suitable health and safety measures for staff and visitors.

Restrictions

The venue must not be:

• A religious building
• A register office (unless the ceremony room is separate from the register office itself)

Ceremony Room Requirements

• The ceremony room must be clearly identified and separate from other activities.
• It must be shown on the approved floor plan submitted with the application.

Responsible Person

The venue must have a named individual responsible for ensuring compliance with these conditions. This person must:

• Be suitably qualified or senior enough to carry out this role.
• Be present at the venue at least one hour before and during each ceremony.
• Appoint a qualified deputy if unavailable.

Notification Requirements

The venue holder must inform the council immediately of:

• Their name and address when approval is granted.
• Any changes to:
  • The layout or use of the venue
  • The venue’s name or address
  • The ceremony room description
  • The responsible person’s details

Inspections and Signage

• The venue must be available for inspection at reasonable times.
• A sign must be displayed at each public entrance one hour before and during the ceremony, showing that the venue is approved and directing guests to the ceremony room.

Food and Drink

• No food or drink may be sold or consumed in the ceremony room for one hour before or during the ceremony.
• Non-alcoholic drinks may be consumed before the ceremony.

Ceremony Content

Ceremonies must:

• Be non-religious in nature.
• Not include religious readings, rituals, hymns, or worship.
• May include music or readings with incidental references to a deity, if used in a non-religious context.

Public Access

• Members of the public must be allowed to attend ceremonies without charge.

Advertising

• Any reference to the venue’s approval must state that it is approved for civil marriages and civil partnerships under the relevant legislation.
• It must not imply endorsement or recommendation by the council or the Registrar General.

Changes to Venue Name

If the venue’s name changes after a marriage certificate or civil partnership document is issued but before the ceremony, the original name remains valid for the purpose of the ceremony.